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UPF Brochure

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Introduction History Activities Values Objectives FEDERATION UNIVERSAL PEACE THE
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Page 1: UPF Brochure

IntroductionHistory

ActivitiesValues

Objectives

F e d e r a t i o n Universal Peaceth

e

Page 2: UPF Brochure

What is the UPF?the historyT

he Universal Peace Federation (Peace Federation) was founded by Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon on September 12, 2005, as a global alliance of religious,

academic, political and civic leaders, and organizations joined together to promote peace, that is, a unified world in which all people live together in harmony, cooperation, and co-prosperity.The Peace Federation builds on the foundation established through a wide range of organizations and programmes founded by Dr. Sun Myung Moon, including the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christian-ity (known as the Unification Church), established in 1954, and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unifica-tion, established in 1996. More recently, in 1999, Dr. Moon founded the IIFWP (Interreligious and International Federa-tion for World Peace) as an organization dedicated to developing new models of governance, guided by representatives of religions and governments in a respect-ful, cooperative partnership for the sake of peace. The IIFWP has promoted many initiatives, including one aimed at re-newal of the United Nations recommend-ing that the United Nations create an interreligious council within its system.

peace councils on the global, regional, national, and local levels. Ambassadors for Peace: Ambassadors for Peace are individuals whose lives exemplify the ideal of living for the sake of others, and who dedicate them-selves to promoting universal moral values, strong family life, interreligious cooperation, international harmony, re-newal of the UN, responsible mass me-dia, and the establishment of a global culture of peace. Transcending racial, national, and religious boundaries, the

Ambassadors for Peace contribute to the fulfillment of the hope of all ages, a uni-fied world of peace, wherein the spiritual and material dimensions of all reality are harmonized.The Ambassadors for Peace initiative was initialised by Dr. Moon in January 2001, giving rise to a series of education-al programmes aimed at reconciliation and peace. Nearly 70,000 Ambassadors for Peace have been appointed world-wide during the following four years.

Based on IIFWP’s foundation, Dr. Moon launched the Interreligious and Interna-tional Peace Council (IIPC) in October 2003. The IIPC promotes an ideal of good governance that integrates the contributions of religion, governments and non-governmental organizations in the pursuit of peace. IIPC programmes are carried out by a global network of Ambassadors for Peace who have formed

the FoUndersThe Universal Peace Federation

(Peace Federation) was found-ed by Dr. and Mrs. Sun Myung

Moon on September 12,2005,as a global alliance of religious, aca-demic, political and civic leaders, and organizations joined together to promote peace, that is, a unified world in which all people live to-gether in harmony, cooperation and co-prosperity.

On numerous oc-casions in 2004 and 2005, Dr. and Mrs. Moon were recognised for their lifetime of dedica-tion to the cause of world peace. On the IIFWP’s fourth World Summit on Leadership and Good

Governance in December 2004, Rev. and Mrs. Moon were hon-oured as King and Queen of Peace before a crowd of 2,500 interna-tional delegates in Washington DC. At another similar event there were messages of support from U.S. President George W. Bush and his father, former president George H.W. Bush.

The second Ambassador for Peace Symposium on the life and thought of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon in Holland, April 2004

The second Ambassador for Peace Symposium on the life and thought of Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon in Holland, April 2004

US and European Ambassadors for Peace take part in a conference at the Pontifical Institute,Jerusalem, during the MEPI fact-finding tour in May 2005

Page 3: UPF Brochure

What is the UPF?H

umanity stands at a critical turning point. The decisions we make and the actions taken, or avoided, at this time will take us either further along a path to increased harmony,

prosperity and peace, or along a track of crisis, conflict and war. Our human family’s great saints, sages, spiritual leaders, philosophers, visionaries, moth-ers and fathers, statesmen, and people of conscience from all walks of life have strived for a unified world of peace. We

cosmos. In fact, the Korean translation of the words “inter-religious” and “interna-tional”, “cho chun kyo ” and “cho kook ka,” respectively, may also be translated as “beyond the realm of religion ” and “beyond the boundaries of nations.” In this sense, their combined meaning is “universal.”The term “universal,” as it is used in this context, not only welcomes all religions but also that the federation encourages

which there is harmony, order, purpose and fulfillment and where all related enti-ties experience value, joy and happiness. Thus, peace may describe the experience of an individual person in terms of the relationship between mind and body or the relationship between husband and wife, or parents and children. It may also describe the nature of the relationship between human beings and the environ-ment. In effect, peace is the end state of the process whereby divided entities are brought into a state of harmony, coopera-tion and unification. Federation: As a federation, we seek to create a broad range of partnerships among individuals, educational institu-tions, organizations, religions, corpora-tions, the media and governments for the sake of peace.

a process whereby religious barriers are overcome and a higher state of harmony and unification is realized. Likewise, the term also applies to the welcoming of all nations and the encouragement of a process whereby barriers created by nationalism are broken down.Peace: Peace is not simply the absence of war. Peace is possible in all relation-ships. A relationship of peace is one in

cannot abandon this hope nor fail to take all necessary steps to assure that the legacy of so many noble predecessors is fulfilled. In this way our children and all future generations will come to know only a world of peace.This is the purpose of the Universal Peace Federation.The Peace Federation provides a mecha-nism for cooperative peace-building efforts among governmental, religious, cultural, education and civil society representatives, all working together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to cooperation and good governance. The Peace Federation is guided by a vision of humanity as one global family under God, called to live in accordance with core, universal principles. As instructed by the teachings of the great religions, we derive our existence from a common origin and we share a common purpose and destiny. That destiny is peace.Universal: The term “universal ” is a translation of a Korean term, “chunju,” which can be translated as “heaven and earth ” that together make up the entire

Peace is not simply the absence of war. It is possible in all relationships...

Participants at the Middle East Peace Initiative Conference in Jerusalem. The UPF has organised trips and conferences for hundreds of delegates to be a part of vital dialogue towards towards the peace process between the Israelies and Palestinians.

Over 800 people attended this confernece explor-ing multiculturalism in Britain, held in the centre of London in 2004.

Left: Hannah Speller addresses a UPF meeting about her experience teaching children in Rwanda; Right: Imam Abduljalil Sajid speaks on the need for intterreligious reconcilliation.

Page 4: UPF Brochure

oUr activities

Leadership and Good Governance Programmes: The Universal Peace Federation has developed a wide range of programmes to promote effective, principled leadership and governance within families, businesses, govern-ments, religions, educational institutions, and NGOs.

SpecialiStS for peaceBering Strait Peace Tunnel and In-ternational Peace Highway Project: UPF is working in partnership with other organisations to plan and carry out the construction of a “Peace Tunnel” under the Bering Strait, linking the land masses of North America and Asia. The UPF supports the initiative to build an interna-tional peace highway linking the world together.

Since 1999 the Universal Peace Federation has been campaigning for the development of an interreligious council within the United Nations.

peace initiativeSPeace Initiatives: Many peace initiatives carried out in areas such as the Middle East, Asia, and South Asia, apply the Universal Peace Federation methodology of reconciliation and service.

Conflict-Prevention Missions: The Federation works proactively with volun-teers to form task forces to work in areas where conflict is probable as a result of rising tensions.

Conflict-Resolution Missions: The UPF provides training for volunteers and task force members who serve in areas of active conflict, using programmes and projects that seek to end violence and hostilities.

Peace-Building Missions: The Universal Peace Federation has established and secured the necessary foundations for durable peace in areas where conflict has subsided or ceased.

Peace-Keeping Missions: With the sup-port of those who work in security or law enforcement the UPF works for the pro-tection of the family and the community.

Service Programmes: There have been hundreds of service projects for peace organised by UPF affilliated groups. They have all sought to apply the principle of “living for the sake of others,” a phrase coined by UPF founder, Sun Myung Moon.

educational programmeSHuman Development Programmes: Through various programmes, the UPF promotes human development with a fo-cus on educa-tion, literacy, marriage and fam-ily, service programmes, character education, and economic and business development.

Network of Universities and Education: Currently the UPF is encouraging the development of a global university network, underscor-ing the need for educational programmes that teach the principles of conflict resolu-tion, character development, and under-line the importance of peace.

Sports for Peace Programmes: The Peace Federation has oraganised sporting events and competitions that contribute to peace. These include the Interreligious Peace Sports Festival, Play Soccer Make Peace, and the Sun Moon Peace Cup Football Tournament.

Arts and Cultural Programmes: Cultural programmes and the arts are viewed by UPF as instruments of peace and are promoted as such through Artists Association International.

Media: The Peace Federation promotes a wide range of “peace media” initiatives such as Voices of Peace TV and World and I: Innovative Approaches to Peace to bring together media professionals and journalists to explore ways to contribute to peace.

Business, Law, Banking, Finance, Trade and Economic Development: Here the UPF brings together profes-sionals and fields related to business, law, banking, stock trading, insurance, finance and trade to explore ways to improve hu-man development and world peace.

Girls from the Interfaith Children’s Home in Hyderabad, India, with one of the the Home’s founders, Mrs. Patricia Earle.

Young people prepare for an outreach activity during their character training gap-year programme, March 2005.

Athletes from around the world compete as repre-sentatives of their faith, culture andnation in the 3rd Interreligious Peace Sports Festi-val (IPSF), Seoul.

Women from different faiths participate in a peace and reconciliation sisterhood ceremony overlooking Jerusalem.

Page 5: UPF Brochure

oUr activities

Establishment of Peace Zones: The Peace Federation works to initiate peace zones in places where conflict has prevailed, such as the DMZ separating South and North Korea. Involving peace volunteers from all religions, nations, and cultures, we will work together to

develop cultural, environmental, and educational programmes promoting peace.

World Peace Blessing Programmes: The World Peace Blessing is a re-nowned programmes sponsored and organised by the Universal Peace Federation that promotes marriage and family as the foundation of peace and celebratess those who have married across racial, religious, and national boundaries.

Honoring UN Peace Forces: The Peace Federation honors and supports veterans and active duty UN Peacekeepers.

Bridging the gapSThe Initiative for an Interreligious Council at the United Nations: Since 1999, an effort has been made to develop an interreligious council as an organ within the United Nations providing a way to strengthen and aid its efficiency of conducting its mission.

two decadeS of promoting interfaith cooperation

Since 1985, the Religious Youth Service (RYS) has provided more then 120 communities

in 43 nations with a model of peace building through inter-religious service programmes. The RYS model of service includes living together as a religiously and culturally diverse community dedicated to the basic spiritual principle of living for the sake of others. The RYS provides volunteer service and a substantial example of fruitful cooperation. This model has proven extremely impor-tant in helping people to heal past wounds and gain their own vision of how to rebuild their communities.

RYS has often been in zones of conflict including Sri Lanka, South-ern Philippines, Belfast, the former Yugoslavia, Uganda, India and South Africa and it has inspired individuals to lay down their arms, put aside re-sentments and begin to make change.

Leading Ambassadors for Peace discuss the forma-tion of the first European Peace Council in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2005

Opening pleanary of the WANGO 2004 annual conference hosts 235 select leaders from 55 nations at the Parliament buildings in Budapest, Hungary

Activists at the ‘Initiatives for Peace-Making in the Middle East’ conference in London, June 2005.

Page 6: UPF Brochure

oUr valUesgod-centredneSSThe term “God-centredness ” indicates an attitude and disposition of responsive-ness to the establishment of a universal realm of true love and peace, on earth and in heaven, the original purpose and will of God, the origin of all things. The term God may be translated into equiva-lent names and conceptual frameworks, such as Allah, Jehovah, Hananim, ultimate real-ity, Rushana Buddha, Brahma, etc. The essential characteris-tics of God-centeredness are absolute faith, love and obedience, being fundamental attributes of the divine character. A God-centered

living for the Sake of otherS The essence of good character is true love, meaning an unselfish heart of love and action. Living for the sake of oth-ers is not the teaching of any particular religion but can be found in the essential teachings of all religions.

cooperative give and take action The universe is relational in nature. Give and take action leads to peace when the action is guided by the principle of living for the sake of others. Lasting human development has its foundation in unself-ish give and take action. Conflict, abuse and corruption have their foundation in selfish give and take action.

the dual purpoSeS of all thingS All existing things have dual purposes. There is a purpose related to the de-velopment of the thing itself and one of the wider context. A human cell, for example, has the purpose to exist and multiply, while also having the purpose to serve the overall well-being of the body. Individual acts that lose sight of the larger purpose are selfish. Acts, serv-ing both the interests of the self and the larger purpose, are unselfish and contrib-ute to peace.

partnerShip

All things are created to co-exist in harmonious, cooperative and mutually fulfilling partnerships. No entity’s pur-pose is to exist in isolation as an indi-vidual. Successful partnership is rooted in unselfish give and take action.

harmony and cooperation Beyond BoundarieSWe encourage all efforts to break down human barriers and to build bridges of reconciliation, cooperation and peace by overcoming divisions of nationality, religion, race, culture and ethnicity that stand in the way of peace.

family The cornerstone of peace is the family. Through family, we not only reproduce the human species but also generate the human spirit, our character and our culture. The family has its foundation in the stability of sexual order, which entails purity before marriage and fidelity in marriage. When the sexual and family order break down, the entire social order deteriorates, much as the break down of a body or organs with diseased cells.

Spiritual reality In addition to the observable physical reality, there is also a spiritual reality that exists. Each human being has an eternal spirit that exists in an eternal spiritual world after death. Spiritual principles are to be practiced physically so that

we are prepared for life in the spiritual world.

person is one who understands God as the ultimate reality and guiding force in the universe and who lives for the sake of others. We recognize these virtues as essential to the development of society and to the achievement of true freedom and lasting peace.

human reSponSiBility The realisation of peace requires principled, human effort. It does not emerge automatically. For peace to be achieved, each human being must be responsible to initiate their own personal, spiritual and moral transfor-mation and contribute to the well-being of others.

European Regional Director of UPF, Dr. Yong Che-ol Song and his wife, with Ambassadors for Peace

Founding members of the European Interreligious and International Peace Council in Geneva

A volunteer on a relief project in Zambia in June 2005

Page 7: UPF Brochure

oUr objectives

Mission stateMent

the core objectives of the peace federation include the promotion of:

• A Culture of Peace through Education, Sports, Arts, Media and Service • Interreligious Cooperation

• Partnerships among Governments, Religions and Civil Society• The United Nations and its Economic and Social Council

• An Interreligious Council at the United Nations• Good Governance

• Human Development• Conflict Prevention• Conflict Resolution

• Strong, Loving Family Life• Peace Education

• Economic Development• Humanitarian Relief

The Universal Peace Federation is a global alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to building a world of peace, a world in which everyone can live in freedom, harmony, cooperation and co-prosperity for all. Guided by universal,

absolute values of faith, true love and obedience to the divine will and one ’s conscience, the Peace Federation works to realize the ideal of a “peace kingdom,” a realm in which humankind, centered on God and true love, lives together in harmony as a global family without boundaries.

With an accent on principled action, service and successful outcomes, the Peace Federation seeks to apply a model of governance that avoids bu-reaucracy, positions of status and over-structured systems. It seeks instead a lean and flexible struc-ture focused on the needs of specific functions and programmes that serve the goal of peace. The Peace Federation seeks to be known for its results, the quality of character of its volunteers, and its principled, passionate activism for peace. The Peace Federation is above all a movement of volunteers.

Delegates including religious leaders, politicians and community representatives from around the world take part in the Heart to Heart rally and march for peace in Jerusalem in 2004, part of the ongoing Middle East Peace Initiative which is spearheaded by the UPF.

Page 8: UPF Brochure

The Universal Peace FederationEuropean Headquarters

43 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NA, United Kingdom


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